Greeting Envelopes for 2013

I saw this gift card envelope idea from Martha Stewart and loved it right away. The size was perfect, and the felt gave it such a nice handmade look. With the holidays behind us, I'm thanking folks who helped me out at the end of 2012 with a small gift card. Using Martha's original project as inspiration, here's a no-sew version that you can tuck a card or special 2013 greeting into. If you make your gift card envelope, send a picture of it to me, lish@www.metroparent.com. We may feature it in a future Make It blog!

Materials

Cardstock

Scissors

Strong double-sided adhesive, 1/4 inches wide

Hole puncher

1 office brad

Baker's twine

Instructions

1. Start out by cutting a piece of cardstock to 6.5 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide. Once you've done that, fold up one end 2.5 inches. Crease with your fingernails. Next, apply the adhesive tape to either side of the envelope. Remove the backing and press the end you just folded up firmly to the tape.

2. After you've created the pouch, fold the other end down, about 1.5 inches.

3. With the flap down, insert your brad just slightly below it. (If it's too hard to manipulate the brad, add it before you create the pouch.) Back on the flap, punch a hole with your hole puncher. Cut a length of baker's twine several inches long (it's really up to you!). Attach the string to the hole.

4. To close the pouch, wind the string around the envelope and wrap around the brad – the brad will act like an interoffice envelope closure.

5. You're all set; add a treat inside and you're ready to SWAK and send!